"I'm Freezing!"

I have just received a heartfelt text from our youngest son who has now arrived in the UK. "Its freezing here - can you send me some Possum Merino gloves please!"

So on my way back from our Easter break at the beach I stopped by the Merino shop and bought him these. Possumdown gloves are extremely warm.

They are made of a blend of possum fur and superfine merino wool and are unique to New Zealand. They are 50% Merino wool, 40% Possum fur, and 10% Nylon.

The Brushtail Possum was introduced from Australia sometime last century and rapidly became a pest. About 80 million of these nocturnal marsupials cause enormous damage to our forests and native birds. We are all a bit indifferent to a possums endearing qualities! (likewise with rabbits.)

In Australia they are a protected animal but in New Zealand they have multiplied horrendously and are a pest we could do without. The fur for the wool comes from trapped wild animals, they are not allowed to be farmed.

Possums would be our most common 'roadkill' animal, often found on country roads having been hit by a vehicle. Their fur is usually a dark rich reddish brown although some are lighter in colour. Being a marsupial they carry their little one in their pouch. They are a different animal from the American possum which I believe is more like a rodent.